United Utilities had come in for criticism from an MP and a watchdog after the weekend's savage storms.

Tens of thousands of people were left without power after floods and high winds brought down cables.

The new deal means residents who were cut off for more than 48 hours consecutively can now make a claim.

Carlisle's Labour MP Eric Martlew accused United Utilities of not doing enough to help with compensation payments to affected households - especially in Carlisle, which bore the brunt of the storms.

Watchdog Energywatch also accused the firm of doing too little to keep customers informed and issuing out of date information.

But the company said it had made changes to its procedures after a meeting with Mr Martlew and Energywatch.

'Appalling conditions'

Now all domestic customers can apply for a payment of �25 for the first consecutive 48 hours without electricity and �25 for every subsequent 12 hours without supply, up to a maximum of �200.

But the company said compensation payments would not be automatic and customers must make a claim in writing within one month of their electricity being restored.

Eoin Cooke, who is responsible for the company's electricity network, said: "United Utilities is very concerned that some customers experienced difficulties with their electricity supply.

"We have had more than 400 engineers working to restore supplies as quickly as possible, often in appalling conditions, and I would like to thank our customers for their continued patience."

A spokesman for Energywatch North West said: "We welcome this improved compensation offer from United Utilities.

"We are pleased that Energywatch and Ofgem have been able to work with the firm to help them take this step in the right direction.